Evolution Must Be Taught in Public Schools

[Biochemist]

Originally Posted by InfiniteNow

4) It happened more than once, but they merged at some point later.

You are talking about Clay's example of bacteria merging?

[InfiniteNow]

I am talking more abstractly about the possibility itself, a possibility which itself has been shown to be feasible by that one source C1ay has shared.

[InfiniteNow]

YouTube - Jay Spears: SMAK DEM CHRISTIANS DOWN

[InfiniteNow]

Strangely, I was reminded of this thread while watching the clip below. Enjoy.

YouTube - A bit of Fry & Laurie - Sex talk in...

[InfiniteNow]

NCSE Resource -- Louisiana's latest creationism bill moves to House floor

On May 21, 2008, Senate Bill 733, the so-called Louisiana Science Education Act, was unanimously passed by the Louisiana House Education Committee. Before passage, the bill was amended slightly from the form which passed the Senate on April 29, 2008, as previously reported by NCSE. It now moves to the full House.

The Associated Press reports (May 21, 2008) that, over the course of a hearing that lasted close to three hours, "Science teachers called Senate Bill 733 a veiled attempt to add religion to science classes." The bill singles evolution out from other scientific theories, and states that a teacher "may use supplemental textbooks and other instructional materials to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review scientific theories in an objective manner."

In the House hearing, some critics pointed out that the bill's stated goals are already covered by policies set by the state's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. The Baton Rouge Advocate reports Tammy Wood, a science teacher from the Zachary, Louisiana school district, told the committee: "There is absolutely no need for this bill," and added "I am begging you here today to kill this bill."

NCSE Resource -- Antievolution legislation in South Carolina

Senate Bill 1386, introduced in the South Carolina Senate on May 15, 2008, and referred to the Senate Committee on Education, is the newest so-called "academic freedom" bill aimed at undermining the teaching of evolution, joining similar bills currently under consideration in Louisiana, Michigan, and Missouri. Similar bills in Florida and Alabama died when the legislative session in those states ended. The South Carolina bill contends that "[t]he teaching of biological and chemical evolution can cause controversy, and some teachers may be uncertain of administrative expectations concerning the presentation of material on these scientific topics" and that "public school educators must be supported in finding effective ways to present controversial science curriculum and must be permitted to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review the scientific strengths and weaknesses of theories of biological and chemical evolution in an objective manner."

[InfiniteNow]

NCSE Resource -- Veto of Louisiana's antievolution bill urged

Veto of Louisiana's antievolution bill urged

The New York Times, in a June 21, 2008, editorial, urged Governor Bobby Jindal to veto Louisiana's Senate Bill 733, a bill that would, if enacted, in effect open the door for creationism to be taught in public school science classes. According to the editorial, "it would have the pernicious effect of implying that evolution is only weakly supported and that there are valid competing scientific theories when there are not. In school districts foolish enough to head down this path, the students will likely emerge with a shakier understanding of science." Noting that Jindal was a biology major at Brown University, the editorial commented, "Jindal must know that evolution is the unchallenged central organizing principle for modern biology," and concluded, "If Mr. Jindal has the interests of students at heart, the sensible thing is to veto this Trojan horse legislation."

The American Association for the Advancement of Science, which previously lobbied against the bill, also urged Kindal to veto the bill in a letter (PDF) dated June 20, 2008. "The bill disingenously implies that particular theories, including evolution, are controversial among scientists," wrote AAAS's chief executive officer, Alan I. Leshner. "In 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court declared unconstitutional a Louisiana 'creation science' law. Rather than step backward, look to the future by seeking to provide Louisiana students with a firm understanding of evolution and other essential scientific concepts so they can compete for high-skill jobs in an increasingly high-tech world economy. Asserting that there are controversies about these concepts among scientists -- when in fact there are not -- will only confuse students, not enlighten them," he added. "I urge you to protect the future of science education in your state by rejecting this bill."

[InfiniteNow]

God damnit!


FROM: Pharyngula: The bill from Bogalusa

Bobby Jindal of Louisiana has signed a pro-creationism bill into law, all to pander to evangelical protestant hicks.

[Pyrotex]

Ditto

[HydrogenBond]

Part of the fear science has is, the youngest children may actually prefer Creationism, because it is easier to understand and is like a story. Science is dry by comparison and is too factual for the youngest children. The difference, in terms of the youngest children, is between eating ice cream and broccoli. They are not yet sharp enough to think on their own but will follow what comes easier to them. Mom already reads stories and is not showing them graphs of data.

The young mind is not suppose to be a robot that you program so it can repeat back without understanding. The goal of science should be help students to question, think and debate. This is what will happen as the children get older. There comes a time when Santa Claus must go. But there is always a place in the heart for this.

I could never understand why science is so insecure. They have the preponderance of the evidence and this should be amusing. The only thing I can think of is, if bright students trying to defend creationism, get off the defensive and start asking valid science questions on the offensive, they will often stump the teachers. There may be a good answer, but the teachers will have to work harder to research this to be able to defend science. But everyone learns more by this. If they don't this could spread the seed of uncertainty so there is a choice.

Another possibility for science insecurity, is students often rebel against the establishment as they seek their own identities. Eventually they conform as young adults. But for a little while, they may do the opposite. They feel like the underdog and have a soft spot in their hearts for the underdog. Science is the over dog or establishment. We could get bright students, who know science, but who argue just because they enjoy the fight. The students who conform are not the rebels. The rebels have the energy and drive to make things happen. It makes more work for science. But if student have an opportunity to learn, debate and argue this is good for science future. These will be the next generation of leaders who are thinkers.

[InfiniteNow]

HydrogenBond, you're quite insane, aren't you? You are anthropomorphizing science and then going off on this long diatribe about how it's insecure.

Nope.

It just discards bullshit, exactly as should any future leaders and thinkers.

Try again.